why the Mits 82840 is a better TV than the 82842? Although it may cost me my marriage, I plan to be watching the Masters on an 82" Mits, and not my trusty 60" Sony XBR1. It looks like the 82842 has dropped below $2k, while the 840 is running about $500 more. Perhaps that's just a function of supply and demand.

What differences could I expect in picture quality from my current set? With four anklebiters, we would be watching 3D quite a bit.

why the Mits 82840 is a better TV than the 82842? Although it may cost me my marriage, I plan to be watching the Masters on an 82" Mits, and not my trusty 60" Sony XBR1. It looks like the 82842 has dropped below $2k, while the 840 is running about $500 more. Perhaps that's just a function of supply and demand.
What differences could I expect in picture quality from my current set? With four anklebiters, we would be watching 3D quite a bit.
I have read about every post in the *42 and *40 threads.

I hate to answer a question with a question but I am somewhat uninformed on the 2012s.. Does the 82842 have the clear contrast screen? The 82840 does. If the 82842 doesn't then that is fundamental. The clear screen is either a blessing or a curse depending on your lighting. I have the 92840 and for me the clear screen makes the TV, it would be even better at 82" if your viewing distance is inline.

I think the only reason why last years model might be more than this years model is they probably have alot more of last years than this years I guess. If you ask me, the 42 has gotta be a better TV than the 40. I think it's just a supply thing. Or maybe a pricing error......?

As for me I had last years WD-73640 which I had for about a year or so. I just got this years WD-82642 about 3 weeks ago, and to me it's a noticeably better TV overall. The PQ on it to my eyes and everyone else who has been both of my TV's, agrees with me as well. If I were you I would definitely go for the 42!

I think gtgray might be correct on the contrast screen. I'm pretty sure only the 92" 2012 series has that screen. So that might be a factor for you.